The Federal Government (FG) has urged Nigerians to unite against terror, saying the objective of insurgents, bandits, and other terrorists is not only to kill or kidnap, but also to weaken national unity and undermine confidence in the nation’s institutions.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who spoke on Thursday at a special briefing on national security, themed, “Unite Against Terror,” held in Abuja, stated that the fight against insecurity could not be won by any single institution acting alone, saying it requires partnership, trust, and a common purpose.
He advised Nigerians to remain vigilant, support security agencies with credible information, and reject narratives designed to divide communities along ethnic, religious, or political lines.
The minister said the federal government remained steadfast in its commitment to protecting life and property. He assured citizens that ongoing security operations would continue until terrorism and violent criminality were decisively defeated.
Idris stated, “Nigeria has faced difficult moments before and emerged stronger. We shall overcome this challenge as well.
“United in purpose and unwavering in resolve, we will ensure that terrorism has no future in Nigeria.”
The minister described the recent abduction of students in Oyo and Borno states as a sobering moment that had once again tested Nigerians’ collective resolve.
He said the abduction of innocent school children and their teachers was not merely an attack on families or communities, but also an attack on the future of the nation, education, and the values that bind the people together as Nigerians.
He also assured Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu was fully committed to securing the safe return of all the schoolchildren and teachers recently taken captive in separate attacks in Oyo and Borno states.
Idris said, “On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Federal Government of Nigeria, I wish to assure all Nigerians that the safe return of every child and every teacher currently in captivity remains a top national priority.
“The president has made it clear that no child belongs in captivity and that no effort will be spared in ensuring that those responsible for these heinous crimes are brought to justice. He has directed that every lawful instrument available to the Nigerian state be deployed towards achieving this objective, including the deployment of a specialised rescue team.
“He has also authorised the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen security presence across vulnerable communities and forests within the state.”
Idris underlined the theme of the briefing, stressing that whether in Oyo, Borno, Zamfara, Kaduna, Plateau, Benue, or any other part of Nigeria, an attack against one Nigerian is an attack against all Nigerians.
He stated, “Terrorism has no tribe. Terrorism has no religion. Terrorism has no political affiliation. Its only purpose is destruction.
“As citizens, we must, therefore, reject divisive narratives, support our security agencies by providing credible information, and remain vigilant in our communities. We must continue to promote national unity and strengthen the bonds that connect us as one people under one nation.”
The minister charged the media to be careful not to inadvertently amplify the objectives of terrorists by giving undue prominence to their atrocities.
He said, “Terrorist groups seek publicity, fear, and psychological impact far beyond the immediate scene of their crimes. Responsible reporting, guided by professionalism and national interest, can help deny them this objective.
“We, therefore, urge media organisations to exercise restraint, verify information before publication, and avoid sensationalism. At the same time, citizens must work closely with the government and security agencies by sharing credible information and reporting suspicious activities.
“Defeating terrorism requires a whole-of-society approach. Nigeria must remain secure and united, because only in an atmosphere of peace and stability can our democracy, economy, media, and national aspirations continue to flourish.”
Director of Legal Services, Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Zachary Bijinyawa, affirmed in relation to the plight of the students and teachers in captivity in Oyo State, that security agencies relied on intelligence and required time to do an assessment of threats.
Bijinyawa made the remarks yesterday in response to growing insinuations that the security agencies lacked the capacity to track down kidnappers in their hideouts.
He faulted the assumption, saying the armed forces and police have to consider the security and safety of victims before carrying out rescue operation.
Bijinyawa stated, “The objective of security to save lives is not to impress. It’s to ensure that the victims come back safe, sound to their families and to their communities. So, it’s not political. The capacity exists, but security agencies cannot respond just to political demands or to popular outcry.
“They must use their best training to do threat assessment and to know when it is time to move in or when the intelligence is appropriate to make a move. So, these are the angles that the public does not always understand in the difficult work of security planning. And this is what is happening even today.”
UN Demands Immediate Release of Victims
United Nations (UN) expressed deep concern over the recent abductions of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo and Borno states, calling for the immediate and safe release of all victims, while urging the Nigerian authorities to intensify efforts to secure schools across the country.
Speaking in Abuja, yesterday, United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, condemned the attacks, which also resulted in the killing of two educators, describing the incidents as a grave assault on children’s right to education and safety.
Fall said the continued captivity of the schoolchildren and their teachers was deeply troubling. He stressed that educational institutions must remain safe spaces for learning rather than targets of violence and fear.
“The recent incidents underscore the urgent need to strengthen the protection of children, educators and learning environments,” he said.
The UN official acknowledged ongoing efforts by the Nigerian government and security agencies to address the situation, but insisted that more must be done to secure the swift return of all abductees and ensure that those responsible were brought to justice.
He emphasised that children should never become victims of armed conflict or criminal violence, stating that attacks on schools threatened not only lives but also the future of communities and the country’s development.
Fall reaffirmed the commitment of the United Nations to supporting initiatives aimed at creating safe, inclusive, and violence-free learning environments across Nigeria.
He stressed the importance of protecting children’s rights and guaranteeing access to education in conditions of safety and dignity.
UN also called for the full implementation of Nigeria’s Minimum Standards for Safe Schools, stronger emergency response systems, and improved use of data-driven strategies to identify and mitigate threats against schools and vulnerable children.
The remarks followed a meeting between the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator and a delegation from National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre, led by Commandant Samuel Umanah, in Abuja on Wednesday.
The meeting focused on the worsening security situation in schools and provided an opportunity for the United Nations to express solidarity with affected families, school authorities, and communities grappling with the trauma of abductions.
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